JPAC’s mission still worth pursuing

Michael P. Rethman’s commentary, "JPAC’s honorable mission no longer worth the cost," reveals misunderstanding and scant knowledge (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 14).

The author declares the Joint POW/MIA Command’s efforts unworthy after a one-time tour of JPAC "a few years ago," during which he gained the misimpression that "Vietnam-era operations are essentially complete."

A 160-case excavation backlog and hundreds of pending investigations demonstrate otherwise.

Rejecting any need for recovering "ancient" losses dismisses nearly 400 listed American POWs not returned by North Korea in 1953. Some died in captivity, and these heroes are now being identified, likely to great relief of their survivors.

Yes, most close relatives of World War II losses are deceased, and survivors long ago accepted loved ones’ deaths, but the author ignores a key reason why this humanitarian mission exists. Brave Americans fighting today’s wars know and understand the message, as do several nations now trying to emulate U.S. efforts: Our nation stands behind those serving the cause of freedom and will do everything reasonable to return them — alive or dead — if captured or missing.

Ann Mills-Griffiths
Chairman, National League of POW/MIA Families

Storm shows need for renewable fuels

In the wake of a tsunami and an East Coast super storm, I am kicking off the Thanksgiving season with a huge thank you to living in Hawaii — although these are reminders of what could happen to us in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

This is why we can no longer hesitate to make the transition to renewable resources.

How much longer should Hawaii depend on foreign oil, when we have an abundance of natural resources at our disposal that other countries have been harnessing for decades?

Potential energy solutions include wind farms, solar panels, geothermal, hydroelectric and kinetic energy production for our small and fertile community.

With frequent tradewinds and the everlasting sun shining down on our rooftops, this island chain can realistically provide enough energy required to sustain our communities.

We must allow for advancements and keep an open mind to new opportunities in this economically tough time.

Heather Nelson
Moanalua

Cayetano should sue over ballots bungle

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano’s defeat in the 2012 Honolulu mayoral election can be attributed to two things: PRP’s negative ads against Cayetano and the ballot bungling fiasco of the state Office of Elections.

Cayetano has gone to court against PRP over its negative ads. Why wouldn’t he also go to court to contest the mockery of an election that the state Office of Elections administered — 70 polling places on Oahu running short or running out of paper ballots, forcing frustrated voters to wait for hours to vote or walk away from voting altogether? If wewere a Third World country, we could just shrug this off as the rich and powerful buying the election and another case of ballot stuffing, or "unstuffing" in this case.

We do not live in a Third World territory. Filing a protest may or may not change the election results, but it would positively change the Office of Elections and be good for the people of Hawaii.

Gil Penaranda
Waipahu

Hotline problems are unconscionable

I was aghast when I read about the Hawaii Access 24-hour mental health hotline calls not being answered promptly, with callers being put on hold or being asked to leave a message ("Crisis hotline hang-up," Star-Advertiser, Nov. 11).

What if 911 calls were handled this way? This is unconscionable.

I am a nurse and have some experience working with people with mental health issues; this hotline is frequently a lifeline for them. Their doctors and counselors tell them to call this number if they need help immediately.

The Access Line evolved from the Volunteer Information and Referral Service. It may not be possible or appropriate again to have most calls answered by volunteers, but these calls are very important and must be attended to. People with mental health issues deserve to be treated with respect.

Liz Nelson
Kaneohe

UH tumult will hurt future hiring search

The recent contentious display between the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents and the UH president will evolve into legendary comedy throughout this nation’s institutions of higher learning. Academia’s grapevine, especially among administrators, is faster and more efficient than websites or social networks.

As it now stands, it appears impossible for President M.R.C. Greenwood to work with the regents, the faculty, the governor and the Legislature. Leadership is based on earned respect, credibility and trust. Devoid of all three essentials, Greenwood cannot possibly lead the state’s premier university. Apparently the regents artificially cleaned the slate so that Greenwood can begin to seek positions elsewhere.

Regents contrived her primary achievements as $450 million in grants and opening of the UH-West Oahu campus. These are baseless claims. Both would have happened, no matter who occupied the president’s office. The UH faculty and the Legislature were directly responsible for both.

Once Greenwood departs, UH’s ability to attract highly qualified replacements will be negatively affected by recent events.

Edward W. Voss
Hawaii Kai